Guts

A death metal band from Toledo, OH, Gutted was formed in 1990 by brothers Mark (vocals/bass), Mike (guitar), and Scott Ditch (drums), with second guitarist Billy Mills joining shortly after their two demos (1992's Into the Gates of Insanity and 1993's Disease) landed the group a record contract from independent Red Light Records. Gutted's debut album, Bleed for Us to Live, arrived in stores a year later, but suffered from inept promotion and distribution, so that, by the release of 1997's belated follow-up (simply named Gutted and recorded sans the by-then-long-departed Mills), the band was on the brink of dissolution, from which they've never returned. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Refreshing and impulsive, Philantropiques is the new project from French producer Fabrice Henri, aka Guts, who earned his stripes as a beatmaker for Alliance Ethnik, Big Red and Svinkels. This album is far from his hip-hop origins. The samples are simple but effective and take you from France to Africa, from the Caribbean to South America. Sultry instrumentals and organic vocals are omnipresent throughout the album and the solid grooves and choice guests ensure ambiance. The greatly inspired Haitian Jowee Omicil’s provides a magic touch with his brass sections and daring vocals (Voyaging Bird, Li Dous Konsa, Bougé Bagay La). The singing of Nazaré Pereira (Nosso Carimbó é do Mundo), Manuel Do Rosario Das Neves (Mucagiami), Pinduca et Catia Werneck (Já Nāo Há Mais Paz) transports you to Brazil. The joyous duo of singers DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson (Groove ma poule) and that of Pat Kalla (Daddy Sweet) lightens up the show. Here and there, the jazzman Florian Pellissier contributes his piano skills to the ensemble. Cyril Atef (half of Bumcello) provides frequent fiery percussive riffs that won’t fail to get you moving. All is meticulously polished off by American saxophonist Ben Abarbanel-Wolff (with Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas). This record is packed with beautiful people, wonderful, fleeting instrumentals and a melting pot of groovy rhythms that have no place for doom and gloom.